1.Treating Type 2 Diabetic Nephropathy by Down-regulating NOX4 to Inhibit the Oxidative Stress Pathway in Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Shu-Qi FENG ; Guo-Rong JIN ; Qun-Hang XUE ; Min HE ; Ze-Hang WANG ; Jia-Xin YAO ; Long CHEN ; Yu-Jiao WANG ; An-Xiu ZHANG ; Sheng HE ; Bing-Rui ZHOU ; Jun XIE
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(5):730-740
Diabetic nephropathy(DN)is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus and a leading cause of end-stage renal diseases.In DN patients,key pathological mechanisms include proteinuria,glomerulo-sclerosis,and fibrosis,largely driven by poor glycemic control and oxidative stress caused by prolonged hyperglycemia.This stress damages renal podocytes and triggers inflammatory mesenchymal infiltration of renal tubular cells,exacerbating the progression of proteinuria and fibrosis.Human umbilical cord-de-rived mesenchymal stem cells(hUC-MSCs)offer promising potential for treating DN due to their strong anti-oxidative properties.In this study,we developed a DN mouse model and treated the mouse via tail vein injections of hUC-MSCs(1×106 cells/mouse).The results indicated that hUC-MSCs significantly lowered fasting blood glucose levels(22.5±3.0 vs 14.7±1.1,P<0.01)and improved glucose toler-ance,as shown by intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test(IPGTT)results(P<0.05).Additionally,the renal function improved in hUC-MSCs-treated mice,with marked reductions in oxidative stress markers,including blood urea nitrogen(BUN),urinary creatinine(Ucr),urinary protein(PRO),superoxide dismutase(SOD),and malondialdehyde(MDA)(P<0.05).Histological analyses through hematoxy-lin-eosin(H&E),Periodic Acid-Schiff(PAS),and Sirius red staining demonstrated alleviation of glo-merular mesangial hyperplasia,glomerular hypertrophy,and tubular inflammation.Furthermore,hUC-MSCs treatment downregulated the expression of oxidative stress-related proteins,such as NADPH oxi-dase 4(NOX4)and thioredoxin-interacting protein(TXNIP),and reduced reactive oxygen species(ROS)production(P<0.05).Meanwhile,human renal cortical proximal tubule epithelial cells(HK-2 cells)were selected for validation in vitro experiments using high glucose treatment followed by super-natants of hUC-MSCs(MSC-CM),and Western blotting showed that the expression of both NOX4 and TXNIP was inhibited(P<0.05)and ROS expression was reduced.In conclusion,hUC-MSC treatment effectively lowered blood glucose levels and improved renal function in DN mice,likely through the sup-pression of NOX4 expression and TXNIP-mediated oxidative stress.
2.Feasibility and exploration of optimal communication models for robot-assisted urological telesurgery: a multicenter, single-arm, retrospective study
Ye WANG ; Taoping SHI ; Sheng TAI ; Sunyi YE ; Yubai ZHANG ; Bingzhang QIAO ; Chenfeng WANG ; Gen CHENG ; Zhi LI ; Qing AI ; Qingbo HUANG ; Baojun WANG ; Qing YUAN ; Junnan XU ; Guojun LIU ; Yu CHEN ; Wuyi ZHAO ; Jianle MAO ; Shiwei LI ; Shuo WANG ; Dan XIA ; Wanhai XU ; Chaozhao LIANG ; Hongzhao LI ; Xin MA ; Xu ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(5):331-336
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of a domestically developed robotic surgical system based on fiber-optic dedicated line communication in cross-regional urological telesurgery.Methods:This was multicenter,single-arm,retrospective case series study. The data of patients who underwent urological telesurgeries using the telesurgical system between January 2023 and December 2024 were analyzed. The cohort included 59 patients from seven hospitals across China. Among the patients,47 were male(79.7%)and 12 were female(20.3%),with a median age of 63.0(56.0,68.0)years and a body mass index of(24.7 ± 3.0)kg/m 2. Surgical procedures included 32 radical prostatectomies,24 partial nephrectomies,one radical nephrectomy,one adrenalectomy,and one ureteral reconstruction. The perioperative indicators,pathological results and postoperative complications were analyzed. The network monitoring data were collected,and the perioperative data of patients,remote system monitoring data and costs were compared between the two communication modes of optical transport network(OTN)and cloud-connect network(CCN). Results:All 59 remote surgeries were successfully completed,with a mean operative time of(138.0 ± 54.0)minutes,median intraoperative blood loss of 50.0(30.0,100.0)ml and a postoperative hospital stay of 5.0(4.0,6.0)days. No cases required reoperation,Clavien-Dindo grade ≥3 complications,or readmission. The geographical distance between the primary and remote surgical sites ranged from 450 to 2 800 km. Network monitoring revealed increased bidirectional latency with distance increasing:the shortest latency time(Hefei-Hangzhou,450 km)was(16.59 ± 0.80)ms,while the longest(Harbin-Hangzhou,2 200 km)latency time was(53.31 ± 0.31)ms. Average frame loss per procedure was 0?1.27 frames. The results of subgroup analysis comparing OTN and CCN communication modes showed no significant differences in operative time[(130.7 ± 70.5)minutes vs.(142.1 ± 42.9)minutes, P = 0.442],postoperative hospitalization[6.0(4.0,8.0)d vs. 5.0(4.0,6.0)d, P = 0.581],or readmission rates(0 vs. 0). However,CCN demonstrated significant cost advantages with 500 RMB per operation vs. 3 000 RMB per operation for OTN. Conclusions:Urological telesurgery using fiber-optic communication is feasible. The CCN mode,with its cost-effectiveness,excellent usability,and multi-point interconnection flexibility,is currently the preferred communication model for telesurgical applications.
3.Prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of lower lip median cleft with tongue frenulum too short:a case report
Jiaojiao WANG ; Xin YANG ; Sheng ZHAO ; Xinlin CHEN ; Xiaohong YANG
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2025;34(8):725-727
Congenital median cleft of the lower lip is a complete dehiscence of the skin and muscles from the lower lip to the midline of the chin,complete or partial dehiscence of the mandible,and bifurcated tongue tip,which can be embedded in the cleft of the mandible. Because the bilateral mandibular processes failed to fuse at the midline due to insufficient mesenchymal tissue development in the embryonic period,it is extremely rare. In this case,a 31 years old pregnant woman who first came to Hubei Maternal and Child Health Hospital for prenatal ultrasound screening was reported. It was found that the fetal lower lip median cleft with tongue frenulum was too short. After birth,the patient underwent surgical repair and obtained a relatively perfect surgical effect. The author analyzed the pathophysiology and ultrasonic diagnostic characteristics of this disease through the understanding of this case and combining with the previous literature,aiming to remind the ultrasonic diagnostic physicians to pay attention to the screening of the lower lip median cleft and its combined deformities,and improve the diagnostic rate.
4.Research on theequity of primary healthcare human resources allocation and its driving path:A qualitative comparative analysis based on Fuzzy Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis
Xiao-chen FENG ; Yong-qiang WANG ; Ran WANG ; Xin WANG ; Sheng LUO ; Yu-qing MI
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2025;18(4):59-65
Objective:To explore the equity and driving path of primary healthcare human resource allocation across 31 provinces in China,providing references for optimizing such allocations.Methods:Using data from the 2022 primary healthcare human resources in 31 provinces in China,the Health Resource Density Index(HRDI)was used to measure the equity of primary healthcare human resource allocation.The fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis(fsQCA)was applied to construct configurational pathways influencing on allocation patterns.Results:In 2022,the HRDI for primary healthcare human resources in China was 2.349 0 in the East,1.198 6 in the Central region,and 0.775 2 in the West.Configurational analysis revealed three paths that promote high equity:the internal-external balance-driven model(H1),the government-led model(H2),and the economic-demand combined model(H3),with overall consistency and coverage of 0.955 and 0.794,respectively.Seven paths lead to low equity:internal-external constraint models(L1,L2),economic constraint models(L3),and demand constraint models(L4,L5,L6,L7),with overall consistency and coverage of 0.967 and 0.795,respectively.Conclusions:Significant regional disparities exist in the equity of primary healthcare human resource allocation in China.Population density is a critical factor influencing allocation equity.The collaboration of various factors contributes to enhancing the equity of primary healthcare human resources distribution.Therefore,future efforts to enhance equity should focus on promoting inter-regional mobility and resource sharing,while precisely addressing regional shortcomings to achieve high equity in primary healthcare human resource allocation.
5.Formulation and Explanation of the Standards for Hospital Pharmacy Research
Yan LI ; Shiting LIU ; Yilei LI ; Wei ZHANG ; Weiyi FENG ; Yalin DONG ; Rongsheng ZHAO ; Wan-sheng CHEN ; Houwen LIN ; Jin LU ; Boxin ZHAO ; Xin HUANG ; Jiancun ZHEN
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(5):716-719
Hospital pharmacy research is significant in enhancing the level of rational drug use,improving the quality of pharmacy services,and promoting the improvement of drug treatment effects.To guarantee the standardization of hospital pharmacy research,the compilation team of"Hospital Pharmacy Research Standards"adheres to the principles of scientificity,universality,guidance,and operability,combs through the key management contents from three aspects,namely,relevant national policy docu-ments,relevant domestic and international standards and norms,and literature analysis,combines with the actual working condition of hospital pharmacy research,and formulates the standards after several rounds of opinion collection and expert argumentation.This paper analyzes the key contents of the standard,including basic requirements,research process management,and research re-sults management,to provide guidance and reference for hospital pharmacy researchers to understand the standard in-depth and further improve the standardization of hospital pharmacy research.
6.Association between Fish Consumption and Stroke Incidence Across Different Predicted Risk Populations: A Prospective Cohort Study from China.
Hong Yue HU ; Fang Chao LIU ; Ke Yong HUANG ; Chong SHEN ; Jian LIAO ; Jian Xin LI ; Chen Xi YUAN ; Ying LI ; Xue Li YANG ; Ji Chun CHEN ; Jie CAO ; Shu Feng CHEN ; Dong Sheng HU ; Jian Feng HUANG ; Xiang Feng LU ; Dong Feng GU
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(1):15-26
OBJECTIVE:
The relationship between fish consumption and stroke is inconsistent, and it is uncertain whether this association varies across predicted stroke risks.
METHODS:
A cohort study comprising 95,800 participants from the Prediction for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk in China project was conducted. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect data on fish consumption. Participants were stratified into low- and moderate-to-high-risk categories based on their 10-year stroke risk prediction scores. Hazard ratios ( HRs) and 95% confidence intervals ( CIs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazard models and additive interaction by relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI), attributable proportion (AP), and synergy index (SI).
RESULTS:
During 703,869 person-years of follow-up, 2,773 incident stroke events were identified. Higher fish consumption was associated with a lower risk of stroke, particularly among moderate-to-high-risk individuals ( HR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.47-0.60) than among low-risk individuals ( HR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.49-0.85). A significant additive interaction between fish consumption and predicted stroke risk was observed (RERI = 4.08, 95% CI: 2.80-5.36; SI = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.42-1.89; AP = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.28-0.43).
CONCLUSION
Higher fish consumption was associated with a lower risk of stroke, and this beneficial association was more pronounced in individuals with moderate-to-high stroke risk.
Humans
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China/epidemiology*
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Male
;
Female
;
Stroke/etiology*
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Middle Aged
;
Prospective Studies
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Incidence
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Aged
;
Animals
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Fishes
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Risk Factors
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Diet
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Seafood
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Adult
;
Cohort Studies
7."Component-effect" correlations in traditional Chinese medicine from holistic view: taking discovery of gintonin from ginseng as an example.
Xin-Ming YU ; Chen-Yu YU ; Hua-Ying WANG ; Wei-Sheng YUE ; Zhu-Bin ZHANG ; Wei WU ; Xiao-Bin JIA ; Bing YANG ; Liang FENG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(7):2001-2012
The holistic view is the key in the study of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). The component structure theory is based on the holistic view to investigate the correlation between material basis and efficiency, which enriches the holistic "component-effect" research of TCM. Gintonin is a newly isolated non-saponin component of ginseng. Compared to ginsenosides, gintonin has many different pharmacological activities, and it provides new knowledge for the holistic research of ginseng. Thus, taking the discovery of gintonin from ginseng as an example, this paper explored the linkage between ginsenosides and gintonin from the perspective of "component-effect" correlations and systematically sorted out the similarities and differences between them in terms of structural characteristics, modes of action, and pharmacological activities. Starting from the collaborative interaction of TCM compounds, the study discussed the application and value of the holistic view in TCM "component-effect" research in the light of the component structure theory to provide new thoughts for the development of modern TCM research.
Panax/chemistry*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional
;
Humans
;
Ginsenosides/pharmacology*
;
Animals
8.Fresh Rehmanniae Radix regulates cholesterol metabolism disorder in mice fed with high-fat and high-cholesterol diet via FXR-mediated bile acid reabsorption.
Xin-Yu MENG ; Yan CHEN ; Li-Qin ZHAO ; Qing-Pu LIU ; Yong-Huan JIN ; Wei-Sheng FENG ; Xiao-Ke ZHENG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(6):1670-1679
This study aims to investigate the potential effect of the water extract of fresh Rehmanniae Radix on hypercholesterolemia in mice that was induced by a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet and explore its possible mechanism from bile acid reabsorption. Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned into the following groups: control, model, low-and high-dose(4 and 8 g·kg~(-1), respectively) fresh Rehmanniae Radix, and positive drug(simvastatin, 0.05 g·kg~(-1)). Other groups except the control group were fed with a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet for 6 consecutive weeks to induce hypercholesterolemia. From the 6th week, mice were administrated with corresponding drugs daily via gavage for additional 6 weeks, while continuing to be fed with a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet. Serum levels of total cholesterol(TC), triglycerides(TG), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol(LDL-c), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol(HDL-c), and total bile acid(TBA), as well as liver TC and TG levels and fecal TBA level, were determined by commercial assay kits. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, oil red O staining, and transmission electron microscopy were performed to observe the pathological changes in the liver. Three livers samples were randomly selected from each of the control, model, and high-dose fresh Rehmanniae Radix groups for high-throughput transcriptome sequencing. Differentially expressed genes were mined and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis was performed to predict the key pathways and target genes of the water extract of fresh Rehmanniae Radix in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. RT-qPCR was employed to measure the mRNA levels of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase(CYP7A1) and cholesterol 27α-hydroxylase(CYP27A1) in the liver. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of CYP7A1 and CYP27A1 in the liver as well as farnesoid X receptor(FXR), apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter(ASBT), and ileum bile acid-binding protein(I-BABP) in the ileum. The results showed that the water extract of fresh Rehmanniae Radix significantly lowered the levels of TC and TG in the serum and liver, as well as the level of LDL-c in the serum. Conversely, it elevated the level of HDL-c in the serum and TBA in feces. No significant difference was observed in the level of TBA in the serum among groups. HE staining, oil red O staining, and transmission electron microscopy showed that the water extract reduced the accumulation of lipid droplets in the liver. Further mechanism studies revealed that the water extract of fresh Rehmanniae Radix significantly down-regulated the protein levels of FXR and bile acid reabsorption-related proteins ASBT and I-BABP. Additionally, it enhanced CYP7A1 and CYP27A1, the key enzymes involved in bile acid synthesis. Therefore, it is hypothesized that the water extract of fresh Rehmanniae Radix may exert an anti-hypercholesterolemic effect by regulating FXR/ASBT/I-BABP signaling, inhibiting bile acid reabsorption, and increasing bile acid excretion, thus facilitating the conversion of cholesterol to bile acids.
Animals
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Male
;
Bile Acids and Salts/metabolism*
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Mice
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Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects*
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Cholesterol/metabolism*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Hypercholesterolemia/genetics*
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Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/genetics*
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Rehmannia/chemistry*
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Liver/drug effects*
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Humans
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Cholesterol 7-alpha-Hydroxylase/genetics*
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Plant Extracts
9.Randomized, double-blind, parallel-controlled, multicenter, equivalence clinical trial of Jiuwei Xifeng Granules(Os Draconis replaced by Ostreae Concha) for treating tic disorder in children.
Qiu-Han CAI ; Cheng-Liang ZHONG ; Si-Yuan HU ; Xin-Min LI ; Zhi-Chun XU ; Hui CHEN ; Ying HUA ; Jun-Hong WANG ; Ji-Hong TANG ; Bing-Xiang MA ; Xiu-Xia WANG ; Ai-Zhen WANG ; Meng-Qing WANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Chun WANG ; Yi-Qun TENG ; Yi-Hui SHAN ; Sheng-Xuan GUO
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(6):1699-1705
Jiuwei Xifeng Granules have become a Chinese patent medicine in the market. Because the formula contains Os Draconis, a top-level protected fossil of ancient organisms, the formula was to be improved by replacing Os Draconis with Ostreae Concha. To evaluate whether the improved formula has the same effectiveness and safety as the original formula, a randomized, double-blind, parallel-controlled, equivalence clinical trial was conducted. This study enrolled 288 tic disorder(TD) of children and assigned them into two groups in 1∶1. The treatment group and control group took the modified formula and original formula, respectively. The treatment lasted for 6 weeks, and follow-up visits were conducted at weeks 2, 4, and 6. The primary efficacy endpoint was the difference in Yale global tic severity scale(YGTSS)-total tic severity(TTS) score from baseline after 6 weeks of treatment. The results showed that after 6 weeks of treatment, the declines in YGTSS-TSS score showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. The difference in YGTSS-TSS score(treatment group-control group) and the 95%CI of the full analysis set(FAS) were-0.17[-1.42, 1.08] and those of per-protocol set(PPS) were 0.29[-0.97, 1.56], which were within the equivalence boundary [-3, 3]. The equivalence test was therefore concluded. The two groups showed no significant differences in the secondary efficacy endpoints of effective rate for TD, total score and factor scores of YGTSS, clinical global impressions-severity(CGI-S) score, traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) response rate, or symptom disappearance rate, and thus a complete evidence chain with the primary outcome was formed. A total of 6 adverse reactions were reported, including 4(2.82%) cases in the treatment group and 2(1.41%) cases in the control group, which showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. No serious suspected unexpected adverse reactions were reported, and no laboratory test results indicated serious clinically significant abnormalities. The results support the replacement of Os Draconis by Ostreae Concha in the original formula, and the efficacy and safety of the modified formula are consistent with those of the original formula.
Adolescent
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Child
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Child, Preschool
;
Female
;
Humans
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Male
;
Double-Blind Method
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
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Tic Disorders/drug therapy*
;
Treatment Outcome
10.Research progress and exploration of traditional Chinese medicine in treatment of sepsis-acute lung injury by inhibiting pyroptosis.
Wen-Yu WU ; Nuo-Ran LI ; Kai WANG ; Xin JIAO ; Wan-Ning LAN ; Yun-Sheng XU ; Lin WANG ; Jing-Nan LIN ; Rui CHEN ; Rui-Feng ZENG ; Jun LI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(16):4425-4436
Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response caused by severe infection or trauma, and is one of the common causes of acute lung injury(ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS). Sepsis-acute lung injury(SALI) is a critical clinical condition with high morbidity and mortality. Its pathogenesis is complex and not yet fully understood, and there is currently a lack of targeted and effective treatment options. Pyroptosis, a novel form of programmed cell death, plays a key role in the pathological process of SALI by activating inflammasomes and releasing inflammatory factors, making it a potential therapeutic target. In recent years, the role of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) in regulating signaling pathways related to pyroptosis through multi-components and multi-targets has attracted increasing attention. TCM may intervene in pyroptosis by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes and regulating the expression of Caspase family proteins, thus alleviating inflammatory damage in lung tissues. This paper systematically reviews the molecular regulatory network of pyroptosis in SALI and explores the potential mechanisms and research progress on TCM intervention in cellular pyroptosis. The aim is to provide new ideas and theoretical support for basic research and clinical treatment strategies of TCM in SALI.
Pyroptosis/drug effects*
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Humans
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Sepsis/genetics*
;
Acute Lung Injury/physiopathology*
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Animals
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional
;
Inflammasomes/metabolism*
;
NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/genetics*

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